Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on being axed as India T20I captain

Suryakumar Yadav has revealed he was shocked and disappointed after being removed as India's T20I captain and dropped from the squad for the tour of Ireland and England, just two months after leading the team to the 2026 T20 World Cup title. Speaking to former cricketer Aakash Chopra, the 35-year-old said he had expected to lead the side for another two years, including at the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar said the selectors called him two or three days before the squad announcement and cited his poor form in the IPL as a reason. He noted that India had not lost a single series under his captaincy and had also won the Asia Cup. Despite his disappointment, he said he respected the decision and backed the new captain, Shreyas Iyer, calling him a good player and leader.

The former captain said he spent 40-50 days at home feeling uncertain about his future, and credited his wife for helping him find motivation. He now wants to continue playing for his daughter, who was born earlier this year.